Tatum Piere

     We at The Topline understand just how hard it is to find the perfect fit for one of the most important components of dairy showmanship, the show whites. It’s a typical Minnesotan show day, which means hot, humid, and mud puddles everywhere. Iodine spills, cow snot, and dirt all mixed in together before the show even starts. Not only that, but the scratchy and rough fabric of long pants irritating to the skin. The showmanship judge has also looked at the showman only once because it’s obvious the showman is uncomfortable and not having fun. Don’t even get us started on the painful, sharp feeling when a showman has been standing for too long in show boots that no longer fit properly. This article will inform all dairy showman that have ever been in the position of being put last simply because their jeans were not the right shade of white.

     Almost all showmen could agree the first body part to start aching would definitely be the feet. That’s why it is critical that the shoes and socks (more so the shoes), would be the biggest investment when it comes to show clothes. The shoes will, in theory, last much longer than the typical shirt or even a pair of white jeans. It’s very important that the showman realizes that they get what they pay for, and the more they pay the more quality they’ll have when it comes down to the most vital article of show clothing. At The Topline we’ve put together a list of high starred shoes and socks.

     Coming in at number one for socks, we have from footsmart.com, World's Softest Classic Collection Crew Socks, Pair Item #: 61641. “Cushiony terry lines the sole, enhancing shock absorption and cradling your foot. The contoured heel and toe pockets prevent slipping and bunching” (FootSmart). This versatile pair of socks repels moisture, which is perfect for the unfortunate muddle puddle splash or for washing cows, because there’s no denying the fact that sometimes the situation is unavoidable. This special pair of socks also comes in ten colors, great for personalization!

     Boots, on the other hand, can be tricky. There’s lots the showman has to consider when purchasing the best form-fitting pair that there is to offer. Not only that, but the showman must take into account the hours straight that they will be standing up on their feet trying to maintain that painful smile. In reality, show boots are not cheap, and many showmen may cringe at the idea of investing in an expensive pair of boots.

     Luckily, for the very low price of $85.00, a male showman can possess the Challenger Slip Resistant Boots, sported by Dickies. ”For enhanced fit and comfort, the collar and tongue of these are both padded. In addition, this padded collar will keep debris, sticks and stones from getting inside.” (Dickies). Not only are the Challengers comfortable, but they also come in a striking rich red color, which will stand out in any judging area.

     Women can have the satisfaction of owning just as stylish of boots with the Justin® Ladies' 8 in. Aged Bark Brown Gypsy Workboot, for only $59.99. These boots are especially “Made tough to last until the job is done” (Tractor Supply Co.). Which, in this case, is hours upon hours of showing! Not only will showgirls have the opportunity to be protected with the built in safety toe, the pink accents and white trim will bring a customized experience into the show ring.

 

     The struggle of finding white pants that are appropriate for the show ring (boy or girl), is all too real for any show-er that goes through spontaneous grow spurts. There are more possibilities for showgirls rather than show boys because white pants are now “in” for the ladies, but for boys, unfortunately, the hunt for the perfect show whites begin almost a whole year before the show takes place.

     Although it’s challenging to find good, sturdy show clothes, for guys, one company that always pulls through would be Wrangler. In fact, Wrangler offers the durable Men's 936 Cowboy Cut Slim Fit Jeans. This fancy pair of white jeans also comes in color of tan, black, or wheat, just in case the show boy appreciates the style so much they want extra pairs. These pair of jeans are only $25.18 when ordered through the Langstons website and it’s also written that these jeans are “The very same five-pocket styling that made the Original Wrangler Cowboy Cut Jean a legend” (Langtons). Which comes in handy for all the ribbons that the show boy will be receiving the day of the show!

     Girls have it a lot easier, but at the Topline we found the perfect style and flare for women in the show ring. Kohl’s offers the Chaps Straight-Leg Pants, which the show girl couldn’t get whiter if they tried! Kohl’s writes “These women's Chaps pants are a wardrobe staple” (Kohls). The jeans are on sale for $38.99, perfect for the overall showing experience! The bottoms of the jeans will tuck perfectly into the boots, or over them as well if that’s what the show girl prefers.

     We know how expensive and costly showing may be, not including the money that needs to be spent on the animal themselves (See our other article, “How to Get the Perfect Topline)! That’s why we hope that shopping for the showman doesn’t have to be as stressful and clustered as it has been in the past. We believe there are so many options for the show boy or show girl to stand out in the ring, and everyone just needs to find their perfect fit.

"Chaps Straight-Leg Pants - Women's." Kohl's. Kohl's Illinois, n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2014.

“Dickies Boots: Men's Waterproof DW7512 Challenger Slip Resistant Boots." Dickies. Working

     Person Enterprises, n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2014

“Justin Ladies' 8 In. Aged Bark Brown Gypsy Work Boot." Tractor Supply Co. Tractor Supply

 Co. n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2014.

"World's Softest Classic Collection Crew Socks, Pair." :: Lounging / At Home. FootSmart, n.d. Web. 08 Dec.       2014

“Wrangler Men's Pro Rodeo Cowboy Cut® Slim Fit Jeans." Langstons. Langstons, n.d. Web. 05

 Dec. 2014.